Method and an apparatus to design a processing system using a graphical user interface

ABSTRACT

A method and an apparatus to design a processing system using a graphical user interface (GUI) are described. The method includes allowing a user to define a transfer function via a GUI. The method may further include submitting the transfer function to a processing device maker associated with a processing device. The processing device maker may generate processing device code without intervention by the user. Furthermore, the processing device may execute the processing device code to perform the transfer function defined.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/601,303, filed on Aug. 13, 2004.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to processing systems, and more particularly, to designing a processing system using a graphical user interface (GUI).

BACKGROUND

Semiconductor processing systems having processing devices are widely used in modem products, such as automobiles, cell phones, kitchen appliances, and video gaming devices, etc. to perform a variety of complex functions. For instance, programmable devices, such as microcontrollers, field programmable gate array (FPGA), and programmable logic devices (PLDs), are commonly used to provide this variety in an economical manner.

Conventionally, designing a processing system using a general-purpose processing device typically involves a programmer familiar with both the application or product in which the processing system is to be used, and the capacity and limitations of the processing system. In general, the design sequence involves determining the requirements of the application, programming a solution using the processing device based upon what is known of the system's requirements, and adding to, deleting from, or completely re-writing processing device code (also referred to as embedded firmware) for the processing device as the system requirements change. Thus, many typical implementations, which begin simply with an ‘if-then-else’ code statement, or a case structure, generally grow organically to an unwieldy, hard-to-understand, hard-to-verify, and unmaintainable implementation.

For example, one commonly used technique for defining or mapping output behavior for a processing system uses truth tables. However, there are many possible firmware implementations of a truth table, depending upon a programmer's skills in framing the system problem as well as technical coding skills.

Yet another problem in designing or configuring processing systems arises from the need to convert variable and continuous input signals to a number of discrete values, each having one or more setpoints or threshold values and select hysteresis associated therewith. In a typical sensing and control system, input devices usually produce a continuous range of values, but the system has to act discretely, or operate in one of a discrete set of states. Furthermore, the required hysteresis has to be explicitly specified and treated as additional thresholds. According to one conventional approach to convert an input from continuous to discrete, a user first selects the actual threshold values and hysteresis required for a particular continuous input (such as writing down or capturing the continuous input). Then the user writes embedded firmware to choose an input and to compare the chosen input to one or more thresholds, applying hysteresis as defined.

Moreover, to change the values of the thresholds, the user has to update elements of the embedded firmware (e.g., constants, variables). Alternatively, a communication interface and/or protocol with more firmware is employed to interpret commands and modify thresholds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description that follows and from the accompanying drawings, which however, should not be taken to limit the appended claims to the specific embodiments shown, but are for explanation and understanding only.

FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram of a computer application to design a processing system having a processing device.

FIG. 2A shows one embodiment of a process to design a processing system using a graphical user interface.

FIG. 2B shows one embodiment of a process to modify a design of a processing system using a graphical user interface.

FIGS. 3A-3D show embodiments of a GUI to allow users to design a processing system to implement a truth table transfer function.

FIGS. 3E and 3F illustrate embodiments of a GUI to enable users to design or program a processing system having a processing device to convert a continuous input signal to a number of discrete values.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary computing system usable with some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the understanding of this description.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. The term “coupled” as used herein may mean either directly coupled or indirectly coupled through one or more intervening components.

In one embodiment, a user is allowed to define a transfer function via a graphical user interface (GUI). Then the transfer function may be submitted to a processing device maker associated with a processing device. Based on the transfer function submitted, the processing device maker may generate processing device code without intervention by the user. The processing device code, when executed by the processing device, is configured to cause the processing device to perform the transfer function.

The processing device may include one or more general-purpose processing devices, such as a microprocessor or central processing unit, a network processor, a microcontroller, an embedded programmable logic device (PLD), or the like. Alternatively, the processing device may include one or more special-purpose processing devices, such as a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like. The processing device may also include any combination of a general-purpose processing device and a special-purpose processing device.

FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a computer application for designing, implementing, and programming systems having a processing device using a GUI. It is to be understood that this is a functional illustration of a generic X maker application 100, where “X” is the function or name of a product finally made using the application 100. It is not a structural block diagram of the application. For example, the X maker application 100 may be a fan controller maker. In one embodiment, the X maker application 100 includes a GUI 110, a processing device maker 120, and a processing device designer engine 130. The GUI 110 provides a direct interface to users 101 on one side. On the other side, the GUI 110 interfaces with a processing device maker 120, which provides various services, including code generation, simulation, and document generation, etc. The GUI 110 represents to the users 101 the processing device maker 120 that services in the context of the system to be controlled, for example, in the context of a fan control system.

In one embodiment, the processing device maker 120 includes an application and a framework of services that enables or services the X maker application 100, such as a fan controller maker. The X maker application 100 in turn allows the users 101 to create a processing device-based application without directly interfacing with the processing device designer engine 130 or writing any processing device code. During operation, the GUI 110 may call the processing device maker 120. In response to the call, the processing device maker 120 may call the processing device designer engine 130 via a command interface. In one embodiment, the processing device maker 120 takes the user's selections from the GUI 110 to define a transfer function, generates processing device code to implement the transfer function defined, inputs the processing device code into the processing device designer engine 130 to generate a ROM image 140. The processing device maker 120 may further support simulation of the user's selections and the transfer function to allow intuitive application design and validation to a large degree without a hardware platform.

In one embodiment, the processing device maker 120 is designed on a standard Windows/Personal Computer (PC) platform using web-based technologies (e.g., HTML, JavaScript, etc.). Alternatively, other platforms may be used, for example, UNIX-based platform, Mac-based platform, etc. In general, the X maker application 100 development may be platform specific, as long as the functionality developed does not preclude ultimate transfer to a web-based technology platform.

In one embodiment, the resulting processing device code supports a standard Inter-Integrated Circuits (12C) register/command interface. The processing device code may further enable the users 101 to shape the details of the I2C register/command interface. The processing device code may also protect its control portion from improper and/or inadvertent actions by the users 101 without restricting the users 101 unduly.

FIG. 2A shows one embodiment of a process 200 to design a processing system using a graphical user interface. The process is performed by processing logic that may comprise hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicated logic, etc.), software (such as is run on a general-purpose computer system, or a dedicated machine), or a combination of both.

Initially, processing logic for process 200 allows a user to define a transfer function via a GUI (processing block 211). The GUI may be generated in a variety of ways, such as using HTML, JavaScript, etc. The GUI may include various user interface control (e.g., buttons, input fields, drop-down menus, etc.) to allow the user to input values of parameters, to modify values of the parameters, and/or to select one or more object from a predetermined group of objects. Processing logic for process 200 may allow the user to select a type of transfer function from a variety of transfer function types. In one embodiment, the transfer function types include a truth table transfer function for mapping specific output actions and/or output states to permutations of discrete inputs. In another embodiment, the transfer function types include a setpoint transfer function to convert a continuous input signal to a number of discrete values, each with selectable hysteresis. Then processing logic for process 200 may allow the user to provide a number of inputs to the transfer function and to assign an output state to each combination of the inputs. After the transfer function is defined, processing logic for process 200 may validate the transfer function (processing block 213). If the transfer function is determined to be invalid, processing logic may output an error message to the user.

In some embodiments, processing logic for process 200 submits the transfer function to a processing device maker 120 associated with the processing device to generate processing device code (processing block 215). In some embodiments, processing logic for process 200 simulates the transfer function without running the processing device (processing block 217). Such simulation makes it easier for the user to test the transfer function defined and provides faster turn-around because the processing device is not run in simulation. Then processing logic for process 200 inputs the processing device code to a processing device designer engine to generate a read-only memory (ROM) image (processing block 219). The ROM image is generated based on the processing device code, which includes instructions to the processing device. Finally, processing logic for process 200 may load the ROM image into the processing device to enable the processing device to perform the transfer function (processing block 220). In some embodiments, the ROM image is loaded into the processing device using a programmer with the processing device mounted on the targeted hardware of the processing system. Once the ROM image is loaded into the processing device. The processing device may read the ROM image in whole or in parts to retrieve the instructions. In response to the instructions, the processing device may perform the transfer function defined by the user.

FIG. 2B shows one embodiment of a process to modify a design of a processing system using a GUI. The process 225 is performed by processing logic that may comprise hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicated logic, etc.), software (such as is run on a general-purpose computer system, or a dedicated machine), or a combination of both.

Processing logic for process 225 generates a GUI (processing block 230). The GUI may include various user interface control (e.g., buttons, input fields, drop-down menus, etc.). The user interface control allows a user to input parameters, to modify values of the parameters, and/or to select one or more objects from a group of predetermined objects. Processing logic for process 225 allows the user to modify a transfer function via the GUI (processing block 233). The transfer function may have been defined earlier by some embodiments of the process discussed above with reference to FIG. 2A. In some embodiments, the user changes the values of the parameters, add new parameters, and/or remove existing parameters using the user interface control in the GUI. In response to modification of the transfer function made by the user, processing logic for process 225 automatically regenerates processing device code (processing block 235). In some embodiments, processing logic for process 225 may further generate a ROM image based on the regenerated processing device code. Furthermore, the ROM image generated may be loaded into the processing device to cause the processing device to perform the modified transfer function.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate some embodiments of a GUI to allow a user to design a processing system. Referring to FIG. 3A, a user adds a variable object to the processing system by dragging an icon 301 representing the variable object to a console 310. Referring to FIG. 3B, the user then chooses a transfer function type from a list of transfer function types 315. In the current example, the user chooses truth table transfer function. Then the user may select a number of inputs for the transfer function from the list 318. In the current example, the user selects input Variable_(—)0. Then the user may add a number of output states (e.g., ON, OFF, blinking) using the input fields 320 a and 320 b and the button 322 in the dialog box 321. Then a set of permutations of the inputs and possible output states are presented to the user via the dialog box 323 in a predetermined pattern, such as a truth table 325.

In one embodiment, the user drags a permutation tile to the desired output state column to select which combination of input values set the output to which state. For instance, the permutation tile R0 327 is dragged to the column OFF(1) 329 in FIG. 3C. The user may choose to leave some permutations unassigned, preventing the output from changing states while the inputs are in an unassigned permutation. The resultant truth table 330 shows the input-to-output dependencies of the transfer function. After defining the transfer function, the console 310 may show the output 304 along with the input 303 as shown in FIG. 3D. As illustrated in this example, the GUI provides a clear presentation of the transfer function, the input values, and the output states to the user. The GUI also provides a user-friendly way for the user to define and/or modify the transfer function.

After defining the transfer function in the truth table 330, the transfer function may be input to a processing device designer engine to generate processing device code (also referred to as embedded firmware). As the transfer function defined is put into a predetermined pattern (e.g., a truth table), processing device code may be generated in a predetermined way based on the predetermined pattern. For example, processing device code using a lookup table may be used to implement a truth table transfer function. The processing device code may be loaded into the processing device. In response to the processing device code, the processing device may perform the truth table transfer function by evaluating the inputs to determine the permutation of the inputs and executing a table lookup to find the corresponding output state. In some embodiments, the processing device executes the processing device code to take the discrete inputs, call the truth table transfer function, take the result of the transfer function call, and set the output to the new state.

In one embodiment, the behavior of the number of specific output actions for permutations of possible values of the number of discrete inputs are verified prior to generating processing device code. Furthermore, one or more of the number of specific output states, the discrete inputs, and/or the defined transfer function may be edited by the user via some embodiments of the GUI described above. For example, to change the mapping of permutations or output states, the user may return to the dialog boxes 321 and 323 in FIG. 3B to make the changes.

FIGS. 3E and 3F illustrate some embodiments of a GUI to enable users to design or program a processing system having a processing device to convert a continuous input signal to a number of discrete values. Referring to FIG. 3E, a user adds a variable object 352 to the processing system, selects a setpoint transfer function for the variable object from a list 354 in the a dialog box 350. The user then further defines one or more thresholds and inputs the amount of hystersis to apply to that threshold using the input fields 364 and 366 and the “Add” button 362 in the dialog box 360 as shown in FIG. 3F.

In one embodiment, a processing device designer engine generates processing device code (also know as embedded firmware) for the setpoint transfer function. The processing device designer engine may generate a ROM image based upon the processing device code. The ROM image may be loaded into the processing device. When executed, the processing device code is configured to cause the processing device to take the sampled continuous input, call the setpoint function, take the result of the setpoint function call, and take a discrete action based upon the result.

In some embodiments, the behavior of the set point transfer function is verified prior to generating the processing device code. For instance, the continuous input signal may be simulated for a number of predetermined input signal values. Furthermore, one or more of the thresholds, an amount of hysteresis applied thereto, or the setpoint transfer function may be edited via various embodiments of the GUI described above. For example, to add more thresholds, the user may return to the dialog box 360 in FIG. 3F and click on the “Add” button 362. To change the values of the thresholds, the user may return to the dialog box 360 in FIG. 3F to modify the threshold and/or hysteresis values. Alternatively, a selected communication interface may be employed with threshold values automatically mapped to one or more command registers by the processing device designer engine.

The technique to design processing systems using a GUI as described above provides numerous advantages over many conventional approaches. For example, the technique described above may eliminate the need for users to write processing device code or embedded firmware for processing devices. Furthermore, the above technique provides a clearer presentation of the transfer function, input values, output states, thresholds, hysteresis, etc. Such clearer presentation makes it easier for users to define and/or modify the transfer function, input values, output states, thresholds, hysteresis, etc. Moreover, the technique described above raises design verification to the system-level, which is more flexible and efficient, unlike some conventional approach that uses firmware or machine-code-level verification. The above technique also provides consistent processing device code with deterministic results, and hence, the processing device code become independent of the skills of and/or approaches used by individual firmware engineers. As a result, maintenance and modification of the processing device code may be simplified.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary system usable with some embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, computer system 400 comprises a communication mechanism or bus 411 for communicating information, and a processing device 412 coupled with bus 411 for processing information. Processing device 412 includes a microprocessor, but is not limited to a microprocessor.

System 400 further comprises a random access memory (RAM), or other dynamic storage device 404 (referred to as main memory) coupled to bus 411 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processing device 412. Main memory 404 also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions by processing device 412.

Computer system 400 also comprises a read only memory (ROM) 408 and/or other static storage device 406 coupled to bus 411 for storing static information and instructions for processing device 412, and a data storage device 407, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk and its corresponding disk drive. Mass storage device 407 is coupled to bus 411 for storing information and instructions.

Computer system 400 may further be coupled to a display device 421, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD), coupled to bus 411 for displaying information to a computer user. An alphanumeric input device 422, including alphanumeric and other keys, may also be coupled to bus 411 for communicating information and command selections to processing device 412. An additional user input device is cursor control 423, such as a mouse, trackball, track pad, stylus, or cursor direction keys, coupled to bus 411 for communicating direction information and command selections to processing device 412, and for controlling cursor movement on display 421.

Another device that may be coupled to bus 411 is hard copy device 424, which may be used for printing instructions, data, or other information on a medium such as paper, film, or similar types of media. Furthermore, a sound recording and playback device, such as a speaker and/or microphone may optionally be coupled to bus 411 for audio interfacing with computer system 400. Another device that may be coupled to bus 411 is a wired/wireless communication capability 425 to communication to a phone or handheld palm device.

In one embodiment, a user is allowed to define a transfer function via a GUI presented using display device 421. The user may select a transfer function type and provide values of inputs, outputs, thresholds, hysteresis, etc. using keyboard 422 and cursor control device 423. The processing device 412 may generate processing device code based on the defined transfer function. The processing device code, when executed by a second processing device, is configured to cause the second processing device to perform the transfer function defined by the user. In some embodiments, the processing device 412 may generate a ROM image based on the processing device code. Computer system 400 may further include a programmer 420 coupled to the bus 411. Programmer 420 may be used to load the ROM image into the second processing device. Alternatively, in-circuit programming may be used to load the ROM image into the targeted processing device.

Note that any or all of the components of system 400 and associated hardware may be used in various embodiments of the present invention. However, it can be appreciated that other configurations of the computer system usable with some embodiments of the present invention may include some or all of the devices.

Some portions of the preceding detailed description have been presented in terms of symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These descriptions and representations are the tools used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. The operations are those using physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be kept in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the above discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

The present invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the operations described herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the purposes, or it may comprise a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a machine-readable storage medium, such as, but is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, and each coupled to a computer system bus.

The processes and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct a more specialized apparatus (e.g., a link device) to perform the operations described. The structures for a variety of these systems have been discussed in the description above. In addition, the present invention is not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the invention as described herein.

For purposes of clarity, many of the details of processing devices and processing systems in general and computer programs for designing, implementing, and programming the same, that are widely known and are not relevant to the present invention have been omitted from the above description.

The foregoing discussion merely describes some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, the accompanying drawings, and the claims that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The description is thus to be regarded as illustrative instead of limiting. 

1. A method, comprising: allowing a user to define a transfer function via a graphical user interface (GUI); and submitting the transfer function to a processing device maker associated with a processing device to cause the processing device maker to generate processing device code without intervention by the user, wherein the processing device code when executed by the processing device is configured to cause the processing device to perform the transfer function.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein allowing the user to define the transfer function via the GUI comprises: providing user interface control on the GUI to allow the user to select a transfer function type and at least one input to the transfer function and to assign an output of the transfer function to each of a plurality of input combinations; and defining the transfer function in a predetermined pattern based on the transfer function type, the input, and the output.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: inputting the processing device code to a processing device design engine to generate a read-only memory (ROM) image.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: loading the ROM image into the processing device to enable the processing device to perform the transfer function.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: allowing the user to modify the transfer function via the GUI; and in response to modification of the transfer function by the user, automatically regenerating the processing device code using the processing device maker.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: validating the transfer function; and simulating the transfer function without running the processing device.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the transfer function comprises a truth table transfer function.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the transfer function comprises a setpoint transfer function.
 9. An apparatus, comprising: means for allowing a user to program a processing device to cause the processing device to perform a transfer function without the user writing processing device code; and means for allowing the user to modify the transfer function without the user editing the processing device code.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the means for allowing the user to program the processing device comprises: means for receiving inputs from the user; and means for defining the transfer function based on the inputs.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the means for allowing the user to program the processing device further comprises: means for automatically generating the processing device code based on the transfer function.
 12. An apparatus, comprising: a graphical user interface (GUI) to allow a user to define a transfer function via the GUI; and a processing device maker logically coupled to the GUI to generate processing device code based on the transfer function without intervention by the user, wherein the processing device code causes a processing device to perform the transfer function when executed by the processing device.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a processing device design engine logically coupled to the processing device maker to generate a read-only memory (ROM) image based on the processing device code, the ROM image to be loaded into the processing device.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the GUI further comprises: a user interface control to allow the user to modify the transfer function, wherein the processing device maker automatically regenerates the processing device code in response to modification of the transfer function by the user.
 15. A machine-readable medium that provides instructions that, if executed, performs operations comprising: allowing a user to define a transfer function via a graphical user interface (GUI); and submitting the transfer function to a processing device maker associated with a processing device to cause the processing device maker to generate processing device code without intervention by the user, the processing device code, when executed by the processing device, to cause the processing device to perform the transfer function.
 16. The machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein allowing the user to define the transfer function via the GUI comprises: providing user interface control on the GUI to allow the user to select a transfer function type and at least one input to the transfer function and to assign an output of the transfer function to each of a plurality of input combinations; and defining the transfer function in a predetermined pattern based on the transfer function type, the input, and the output.
 17. The machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the operations further comprise: inputting the processing device code to a processing device design engine to generate a read-only memory (ROM) image.
 18. The machine-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the operations further comprise: loading the ROM image into the processing device to enable the processing device to perform the transfer function.
 19. The machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the operations further comprise: allowing the user to modify the transfer function via the GUI; and in response to modification of the transfer function by the user, automatically regenerating the processing device code using the processing device maker.
 20. The machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the operations further comprise: validating the transfer function; and simulating the transfer function using the processing device maker without running the processing device. 